Puri, Jul 22: Italy-born famous Odissi dance exponent Ileana Citaristi on Sunday alleged that she was beaten up by the servitors on the chariot of Lord Jagannath as she "refused to pay money for darshan" of the deity.
Chief temple administrator Arabind Padhee said Citaristi had lodged a complaint with temple administration.
The commander of the temple police called 'Barkandas' has been asked to find out who were present on the chariot 'Nandighosh' during that time.
Citaristi, awarded 'Padmashree' for her contribution for promotion of Odissi dance, alleged in her complaint that she and one of her woman pupils had climbed up the chariot by paying donation of Rs.20 each to a priest.
However, when they tried to move close to Lord Jagannath, a servitor demanded Rs.1,000 each from the duo to allow them, Citaristi alleged, adding she was ill-treated and physically assaulted by the servitor when she refused to pay.
"I was shocked over the behaviour of the sevayat who ill-treated and hit me thrice on the head shouting foreigner ..foreigner," said the foreign national settled in eastern Indian state of Odisha.
"The temple administration will refer the matter to state police after obtaining a report on the alleged incident from the temple commander", Padhee said, terming the incident unfortunate. "Under no circumstances, anyone should show disrespect to devotees," he said.
Describing the incident as unfortunate, president of Daitapati Niyog, Ramachandra Dasmahapatra, said "we have no right to beat any devotee. On behalf of the Daitapati Niyog, I apologise for the unsavoury episode".
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